Saturday 15 April 2006     Water...the symbol of baptism. It was in abundance this evening as the sky practically poured bucket loads down upon the earth. Quite refreshing actually, but parking spots are rare commodities during Easter Vigil and I was not really too keen to run in the rain. Although the Vigil mass started at 9:30 pm, the facilitators had to turn up at 7:30 pm to set up the hall at the Assumption Family House.

Every year, before the Vigil mass, our cathecumens will be instructed to arrive at 8:00 pm to prepare themselves for the rites of initiation into the Catholic church; Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. As the earlier mass has not ended yet, you can imagine cars double parked on both sides of the road. Did I mention it was raining heavily? Fortunately, the Family House gate was open and there stood a lone sentry, our very own Eddie Chang, ushering us in. The small umbrella he was standing underneath barely provided cover against the torrential rain. So, parking problem solved.

Once the cathecumens had all arrived and settled down, Sr Jane started the preparation session with prayers and some reflection. With the lights dimmed, the atmosphere was prayerful and silent, even as the wind howled and the rain lashed outside. Towards the end of the session, we played a short video, a compilation of photos of their journey in the past year – their orientation day, the various rites and the two retreats. It brought back a flood of memories. When Sr Jane spoke after the video ended, for a brief moment, I thought I heard her voice choked with emotion. Hmm…I could be wrong, she might have been clearing her throat.

Thereafter, we walked together to the church. The cathecumens filed in and took their designated places in the front pews. Shortly after, the Easter Vigil mass started with the Service of Light, as the church lights were switched off and Fr Simon lit the Paschal candle with the new fire. As the procession marched in, fire from the Paschal candle is used to light up the candles of all baptised Catholics.

Continued in Part 2